We need the sun for the very existence of life. It generates heat and light, provides human beings with a major source of Vitamin D that is so essential for good health, and it helps crops grow. Now, thanks to the development of solar power over the last few decades it can also run our electric cars.
The Beauty Of Solar Power
But wait, you might reasonably well say, this is the US not the Middle East; we are at the mercy of Atlantic weather systems and the sun can be a stranger to us. How can it help?
Well, in fact the generation of solar power doesn’t need a day-long blazing orb to deliver the goods; solar only requires some level of daylight to extract the sun’s energy. That means if the weather is traditionally British, we can still harness the power of the sun even on overcast and rainy days. Recent figures show that solar power accounted for 3.4% of this country’s total electricity generation. Solar power is the third most generated renewable energy in the US, and, globally, surprisingly, the US is the second-largest producer of solar power. The sun is clean, sustainable, and importantly, free.
Of course, to harness this energy we need to first buy the kit required but once that’s done and paid for, costs fall as we are not completely or necessarily reliant solely on Utility companies. Once solar power was inefficient and expensive but thanks to technological advances prices are falling and systems are much more efficient. We really can fuel our EV’s for nothing and here’s how:
Charging With Solar
Slowly but surely electric car technology is seeping into our collective consciousness. We understand it better, the cars are generally excellent and all that’s needed is a suitable
ev charging cable and, for home use, a wall charger to speed up charging. If solar power is not an option any home charging station will be drawing energy from the grid at the same cost as any other electricity at home.
Charging an EV using solar power really isn’t that much different from the method in common usage. The latest
solar-electric vehicle chargers can integrate seamlessly with solar panels, normally situated on the most advantageous part of the property roof.
Battery Or Not?
Solar panel users don’t need a battery because the system will work in conjunction with the regular electrical grid as required by need. Users should find that as a consequence, electric bills fall. Including a battery with the solar panels means that surplus solar energy can be stored, further reducing the need for mains electric. There are also hybrid systems that combine all three. Ultimately, it depends upon need.
Whichever route is taken it is necessary to note that solar panels produce Direct Current (DC) electricity, including in the batteries. Mains electricity is Alternating Current (AC) so, when charging an EV via solar panels it is necessary that the current is inverted to AC. An Inverter-Integrated EV Charger allows for a speedier charge time than ever, due to its ability to combine instantaneous solar production with AC power from the grid at the same time.
Ultimately, the introduction of solar panels and also the amount used is governed by need and by how dedicated the user is. An array of around ten panels will provide enough power to charge an EV but that depends upon when the vehicle is to be charged. It makes sense therefore, when considering the introduction of solar into a domestic supply, to ensure that the supply is adequate for both household use and vehicle charging and that a smart wall charger is installed that can combine the best of both worlds. Remember too to check out if there are any solar power grants available locally or nationally.
